Intimate Relationship

Scripture: Colossians 1:10d

growing in the knowledge of God,

Insights: Keep in mind the purpose of this week’s devotional thoughts.  We are investigating the benefits of a life whose self-will has been sacrificed and whose desire is to know and understand God’s will.  When one is pursuing hard after God’s will he/she will live a life of moral rectitude and will be characterized as having an evangelistic resurgence.  The third byproduct of a life of willful sacrifice is a more intimate relationship with God is cultivated.  This idea is what Paul is pointing to when he wrote today’s portion of verse ten.  My observation is most in the local church are not in a growing dynamic relationship with Jesus.  The percentage of “Christians” who actually have a daily quiet time with God is minimal and the proof is in the walk.  The Pareto Principle states that twenty percent of the people will do eighty percent of the work.  Why is this eight/twenty mathematical rule so accurate in the local church?  RELATIONSHIP!  In other words having an intimate relationship with God is hard work and most people do not want to invest that kind of time and energy.  Jesus was referring to salvation when He said these words, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matthew 7:13-14).”  The reality is, however, Jesus could have said something very similar about those pursuing a love relationship with Him.  What we do in our corporate life in the body is directly related to the personal life we enjoy in Jesus.  So, if we do not have a vibrant growing corporate involvement in the local church, we ought to examine our personal time with God.  I believe we will quickly see the correlation between the two events.  Beloved, sacrifice your will and pursue the will of God.  As you do your knowledge and love for God will increase and there is nothing sweeter than that reality.  Let me close with Jesus words when He was questioned as to what is the greatest commandment.  He replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength (Mark 12:30).

Questions:

1. How are you daily quiet times with God?
2. How well have you assimilated into the corporate aspect of worship in the local church?

Prayer: Lord, I know that I am as close to You as I want to be.  Forgive me for those times in which I am preoccupied with my own worldly desires and fail to pursue hard after You.  Increase my love with You and grow me in Your grace by Your mercies.  Amen.